Oil drain receptacle attachment

ABSTRACT

An oil drain receptacle attachment, integrated system and method of use for providing a closed, clean catch system for the requisition of used motor oil for recycling. The oil drain attachment itself is positioned between a flexible drain tube and a collection receptacle where the reversibly attachable oil drain attachment allows for securing of the flexible tubing to an opening of the receptacle, in operation, that is capable of initiating and ceasing flow, through an ‘on’ and ‘off’ functionality, in addition to intermediate, partial opening and closing positions, as well as providing ventilation that facilitates the exit of air with the introduction of used oil into a collection receptacle for transportation and disposal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 9,752,473 which iswholly incorporated herewith.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Non-Applicable

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Non-Applicable

SPECIFICATION INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is related to granted U.S. Pat. No. 9,752,473,Titled: OIL DRAIN VALVE WITH CHECK BALL AND DETACHABLE BAYONET-STYLEACTUATOR, filed Jun. 3, 2016, and granted Sep. 5, 2017 issued toinventors Burns et al. This application is wholly incorporated herein byreference, including its specification, diagrams and claims, which isnot admitted for the sake of priority, or to be prior art with respectto the present invention by its reference, but to provide a basis foruse and as a description of integral components required for afunctional system, in conjunction.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a fluid drain attachmentaffixed to an accepting receptacle, generally, and to an adjustableconduit, for clean, environmentally conscious transfer of motor oil froman automotive oil pan (or related reservoir) and through a collectingtube, wherein said conduit is capable of both ‘on’ and ‘off’functionality as well as the ability to regulate, ventilate andnormalize the air existing within the accepting receptacle throughnormalization of ambient air with the air inside a receptacle. Thepresent invention has applications in not only automobile and motorcyclecombustible engines, but also oil drainage in aviation engines, marineengines, four-stroke engines (e.g. portable generators and lawn mowers)and two-stroke engines (chainsaws, gardening and landscaping equipment)which often contain a mixture of oil and fuel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Engine oil (i.e. motor oil) is primarily made from base oils derivedfrom the refining, distillation and separation of crude oil whereinlight and heavy hydrocarbons are separated the heavier best-suited as anengine lubricant. The motor oil designed for use in an internalcombustion engine itself may consist of a natural oil (i.e.petroleum-based oils), synthetic oils (those synthesized from physicallyor chemically modified petroleum or other raw materials) or acombination of both. Typically, as well, motor oils will contain otheradditives, including detergents (to prevent deposits, accumulation andto reduce oil acidity), dispersants (for separation and suspension ofparticles within the oil), anti-corrosives, oxidation inhibitors andanti-wear agents, in order to both extend the life of the oil and toprovide greater protection and life extension to an engine.Additionally, motor oil may contain any of the following: foaminhibitors, friction modifiers and viscosity-index improvers, amongother components.

Regardless of the make-up, motor oil acts chiefly as a lubricant whichreduces friction and, correspondingly, wear on an engine's integralmoving parts. It is another function of motor oil to clean oil-exposedparts of an engine and to allow for ease of removal of friction-createdparticles and accumulated sludge from critical surfaces. Too, motor oilis key in neutralizing acids created from engine fuel, it aids in thesealing and lubrication of exposed surfaces of the crankshaft (e.g.piston rings within cylinders, rod bearings and rods) and absorbs anddistributes heat conductively away from an engine's working partscreated by generated friction.

Over time though, engine oil becomes less effective at lubricating partsand absorbing heat. Without proper consistency and resultantinsufficient lubrication, friction is created bringing with it heat.Manifestly, friction and heat can lead to engine damage primarily due toover-heating. Also, dirt, small particles and sludge buildup, fromexternal contaminants, microscopic engine materials breakdown andbi-products of fuel combustion, respectively, can, over time, dissolveinto the engine oil making it increasingly harder to maintain properlubrication and avoid excess heat—thereby causing critical systemsfailure.

It is for the above reasons that regular oil changes, as part of aconsistent maintenance schedule, are so important and vital to theproper functioning of an engine. And while regular oil replacementserves the immediate function of ensuring appropriate lubrication,decreased friction and reduced heat generation, the long-term benefitsmanifest themselves expressly in longer engine life, better engineperformance and better gas mileage.

Yet, while performing frequently-scheduled oil changes is vital to theproper functioning of an engine, it is equally vital that vehicle ownersand oil changing businesses conduct proper disposal and recycling ofused engine oil. In fact, used motor oils, due to their chemicalmake-up, are considered a highly hazardous material which may includelead, chromium, arsenic, dioxins, cadmium and other equallyenvironmentally detrimental compounds. Manifestly, these ingredientshave a high propensity to adversely affect humans, other mammals,plants, and fish, either directly or indirectly.

While efforts have been underway over many decades to collect andrecycle ‘spent’ oil, such oil must first actually make its way to therecycling center. And, it must be noted, that even small amounts ofunrecovered oil can have large environment impacts over many years evenbeyond the oils' useful life (due in large part to oils incapacity todegrade and break down). In fact the United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency estimates that ‘DIY’ mechanics, as opposed toindustrial borne waste, are the source of some estimated 200 milliongallons of used oil annually that is disposed of improperly by releasingused motor oil into sewers, in the trash (ending up in landfills), ordirectly on the ground (some of which may occur intentionally to killweeds or suppress dust on dirt roads). Shockingly, the EPA has estimatedthat the amount of motor oil for a single oil change can contaminate upto 1,000,000 gallons of drinking water and that as little as 1 pint cancreate a thin film (i.e. ‘oil slick’) covering and average of 1 to 2acres across water that not only blocks sunlight vital to plants andaquatic organisms, but also affects the plumage of birds in terms ofwaterproofing and insulation.

And, while a common misconception of the origins of oil in the ocean areenergy industry related (i.e. through offshore tanker spills and mobileoffshore drilling units), the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) reports that these types of exogenous releasesaccount for as little as 12% of oil released into the ocean and that afull 37% of released oil results from operational discharges from ships,recreational marine vessels (e.g. boats and jet-skis) and land-basedsources (runoff from improperly disposed engine oil as well astranscontinental airplanes) where resultant oil deposited throughnatural use (naturally occurring and geologically induced seepage) makesup approximately 46%, and oil extraction accounts for approximately 3%of the remainder worldwide. (See ‘The National Academies of SciencesEngineering Medicine’, Ocean Studies Abroad, Division on Earth and LifeStudies, Oil and Pollution in the Ocean(http://dels.nas.edu/global/osb/Pollution-In-The-Ocean). In fact, the USCoast Guard estimates that accumulated runoff from sewage treatmentplants discharge twice as much oil each year than do tanker spills.(Smithsonian Institution's Ocean Planet exhibition and from the bookOcean Planet: Writings and Images of the Sea, by Peter Benchley andJudith Gradwohl (published by Harry N. Abrams Inc., 100 5th Ave., NewYork, N.Y. 10011)).

It can therefore be seen that the near complete capture of motor oil isnot just practical for a responsible vehicle operator but an ecologicalimperative that evidences exponential environmental rewards that requirethe requisitioning of the greatest amount of oil as can be achieved foreach and every oil change. Such effective collection devices have beendeveloped for the collection of oil from the oil pan itself (seespecifically U.S. Pat. No. 9,752,473 issued to Burns et al.), yet thereremains a need to ‘close’ the system by providing for a conduit of oilcollection via an attachment at the oil-receiving reservoir. It is thepresent invention that accomplishes this goal.

Moreover, the present invention may be used in combination with theaforementioned '473 invention, or other like or similar oil pan drainvalves, in order to accomplish the ‘closed system’ that is the hallmarkof the present invention, system, and its method of use.

Alternatively, while not ideal, inventors acknowledge that the presentinvention may be used with a conventional collection funnel in order tocollect used motor oil. And, although this utilization of the presentdevice may allow for spillage, it remains a marked improvement overexisting systems and uses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ARTS

When discussing the present state of fluid and lubricant collection, itcan be seen that there exists two types of systems wherein one is alargely ‘open’ system and the other is a ‘closed’ system.

Indeed, an ‘open’ system for collecting and disposing of oil exhibitsthe largest pool of issued patents. Namely, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,054,184 and4,930,602, issued to Marcinko and Gust, respectively, both utilize amodified form of ‘open collection’ or ‘pan collection’. While exemplaryof an entire range of ‘open air’ collection mechanisms, each ofMarcinko's and Gust's systems exhibits characteristically only apartially sealed (open air) system that continues to proffer acollection ‘pan’ open to ambient conditions and subject to spillage andleakage. (See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,156 issued to Wallett, U.S. Pat.No. 4,301,841 issued to Sandow, U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,598 issued toClinard and U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,530 issued to Short). Too, adding todecreased desirability of an “open air” system, the cleaning of the openoil container involves the removal of petroleum-based fluids through theuse of a special solvents, great time expenditures and physicalexertion. What is more, these inventions provide no means by which tostop, start or regulate oil flow from the oil pan and into an acceptingreceptacle all resulting in uncontrollable flow and inevitableuncontrolled spillage.

Several attempts have been made to construct a ‘clean catch’ system foroil collection with varying degrees of success. U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,960issued to Newsom, provides for a ‘closed’ system for oil drainage froman oil pan (as well as an oil filter) wherein the connection from theoil pan to the receptacle is of a ‘closed system’ conformation and the“oil pan sump drain check valve/adapter 22” is in fluid communicationwith an “adapter fitting 12” (also designated a “slip joint nut/cap”)and an accompanying connecting “transfer tube 11”. And yet, the systemof Newsome is a dual drainage system (for both engine oil and filter oilcollection), as opposed to the present single container collectionsystem, where Newsome is reliant upon a secondary collection containerfor ventilation and air normalization. Moreover, Newsom specificallypoints to a “flow controlling conduit valve” which (1) relies upon aneasily displaced and unintentionally actuatable ‘push pull’ top forstarting and stopping flow, (2) provides for no air regulation ornormalization via a single receptacle system, (3) lacks the ability tosecure a tube to a receiving conduit, (4) cannot be operationally lockedinto an ‘open’ and ‘closed’ position through an opposable spring-actionand rotatable advancement, and (5) exhibits manifestly small drain holesnear the plug for oil to travel, thereby inordinately lengthening theamount of time it takes for oil to drain.

Likewise, even more complex ‘closed systems’ do exist that rely on amulti-component and multi-sectional apparatus that exhibitsnon-ergonomic, low clearance impediments and permanence of featurestrending away from the decidedly ergonomic simplicities of the presentinvention. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,635 issued to Bantzevidences such an invention wherein a multitude of connections andconnectors, used for coupling to an oil pan as well as to a specific(reverse pressure) system, detracts from a simple three-component systemthat the present invention engenders and imparts. Clearly, the presentinvention does not rely upon any exogenous vacuum source (e.g. the “pumpsource 158”) to reduce pressure “for enhanced fluid flow from the oilpan 138 to the receptacle 156” (Col. 10, lines 6-7). In fact, inventorintentionally relies upon the simplicity of gravity and the actuation ofthe present invention's operational components to control oil flow (i.e.flow induction, maintenance and cessation), seamlessly, from the enginepan to a collection receptacle.

It is a long felt and unaddressed need in the field of oil collection toprovide for a ‘closed’ oil capturing system that can provide for anergonomic, simple, and quick means for oil collection exhibiting bothnegligible spillage and virtually and practically complete recovery.Specifically, the present invention allows for an operationallyadjustable and positionable oil receptacle attachment serving thepurpose of essentially complete oil sequestration with a device thatadditionally affords both oil flow and air regulation into a receptacle.Further, when said invention is integrated into a system, an arrangementof interdependent devices (i.e. (a) low-profile and secure check balland bayonet-style actuator at the oil pan, (b) an unencumberedcollection tube and (c) an adjustable and reversibly engageablereceptacle attachment) provide for enhanced functionality, above whatone component alone could achieve, allowing for improved clean oilcapture and flow regulation all with normalizing ventilation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Historically, engine oil changes are accomplished through a process ofdrainage, dependent upon gravity, wherein, as is the case of a typicalautomobile, an inferiorly placed oil pan is accessible through one ofonly a few means: lifting the automobile hydraulically, elevating thevehicle via car ramps or driving the automobile over a trench withsufficient depth to access the oil pan or, most commonly, crawling orsliding underneath a vehicle for access. Yet, all too often, the typical“do-it-yourself’ mechanic will choose to access the under portion of anautomobile via the latter by simply crawling or shimmying underneath avehicle to reach the oil pan in situ. This not only allows for marginalareas of operability, but an inability to generate sufficient leverageto loosen and tighten the chief point of oil access the oil plug.Clearly, this limited access more often than not leads to operationalimpediments that result in unwanted oil spillage.

Once the user is beneath the vehicle and has managed to loosen andremove the oil plug, gravitational pull exerts forces on the oil whichallows the oil's evacuation from the oil pan—often at a relatively highrate of speed. Even a well-calculated and expertly controlled oil plugremoval often results in a gush of oil that can be unwieldy andunmanageable, causing both possible spillage and untoward contact withthe skin. Compounding the complexity of draining the oil is thecommonplace heating of the engine oil in order to facilitate acceleratedflow and to assure that heavier particles are moved into suspension (asopposed to residing on the bottom of the pan). With this practice comesless viscosity, accelerated flow rates, increased unmanageability and anamplified risk of burns to the operator.

Yet another issue with plug removal is realized upon reintroduction ofthe oil plug into the oil pan. Upon tightening the oil plug, where theexterior threads of the oil plug move along the interior threads of theoil pan, too much torque may be applied in tightening in an effort toassure a “tight seal”, which damages the internal threads of the oil panand causes eventual and inevitable leakage.

The invention itself is designed to facilitate a clean transfer of oilor other fluids into a container for easy transport to a recyclingfacility where the actuatable valve permits regulated oil to flow into areceptacle, while at the same time, permitting air to escape thereceptacle.

Objects and Advantages

It is an object of the present invention to allow for an ergonomic anduncomplicated oil removal and collection device, evidencing a largely‘closed system’, wherein minimal oil spillage is achieved through notonly the interconnectivity of the (a) check ball and bayonet assistedoil drain valve, (b) a flexible drain tube and (c) oil drain receptacleattachment but also through the ability to induce, cease and regulateflow, dually, via a drain tube—at both the point of oil flow initiation(the oil drain valve) as well as the point of termination (the oil drainreceptacle). Collection of oil in the sealable receptacle then aids inease of proper transport, disposal and eventual recycling of the spentoil.

It is another object of this invention to provide for a means to provideventilation to an oil accepting receptacle. As oil is being introducedinto a container, that is otherwise sealed from the environment, oildisplaces the air contained within the receptacle leading to acompetition between oil and air. Lack of ventilation directly results inspillage (especially onto the ground and into the watershed). In orderto ensure that the receptacle does not expand and bloat and force aircarrying oil from the receptacle opening, the oil drain receptacle thatis the present invention is made to exhibit ventilation portals allowingair to escape as oil is collected in a ‘clean catch’ simultaneously.

It is another object of this invention to allow for attachment andsecuring of a flexible drain tube to the uppermost receiving portion ofan oil drain receptacle attachment wherein said drain tube is not easilydisplaced. This secure attachment allows for (1) practically completecollection and (2) ease of collection and transportation of thereceptacle upon completion of oil collection.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a ‘system’ ofan actuatable oil drain plug, ergonomic drain tube and receptacleattachment which provides ‘closed’ and regulated oil flow controlthrough (a) a primary actuatable oil drain valve at the point oforigination (ex. the ‘valve actuator’ with ‘check ball’ and ‘spring’arrangement of the '473 patent), (b) the seamless and reversibly,securedly attached collection tube conduit (connected to both the oildrain valve and present invention) and (c) the present invention whereina secondary flow may be stopped and started, regulated and properlyventilated. The aforementioned system allows for a dual functionalitywherein flow initiation and cessation may be started at either end,stopped at either end and regulated dually through the use of both theoil drain valve and present invention, contemporaneously and/orsequentially.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a meansto reversibly open and close both an oil drain valve and an oil drainreceptacle attachment by overcoming the force of an internalized spring,in each device respectively, by applying pressure across and through aresistance spring, to allow for bayonet-style induced urging of checkball movement (and induction of flow) in the former and rotation intoone of two (or multiple) said confirmations, open or closed, in thelater. As well it is in the contemplation of inventors to allow forvarious “stops” or “levels” of opened or closed confirmations in thepresent invention wherein the present invention's valve body may exhibitvarious levels of keyed surfaces exhibiting a “partially open” or“partially closed” setting in order to further regulate the speed of oilcollection by adjusting oil flow of.

It is another object of the present invention to allow for aninterchangeable coupler, used to communicate with the flexible draintubes of various internal diameters, to accommodate a range of draintube sizes and flow rates (whereby flow rates may be slowed oraccelerated through adjustments in tube length, tube diameters, tubethickness and/or interior materials exhibiting various viscosityenhancers, or a combination thereof).

It is yet another object of this invention to allow for a method ofoperation wherein the control of flow of oil is sequential and temporal.Specifically, the method of using the present invention in an oildrainage ‘system’ may include (1) rotating the valve body of the presentinvention to the ‘on’ or ‘open’ position, by means of a push and twistaction and then inserting the valve actuator of the '473 invention intothe lower end of the valve body (causing the check ball to recess intothe valve body to induce the initiation of flow from the oil pan) or (2)rotating the present invention to the ‘off’ or ‘closed’ position,inserting the valve actuator of the '473 invention into the lower end ofthe valve body and then rotating the present invention to the ‘open’position to allow for oil flow. In opposite, oil flow via either methodmay be stopped through either removing the actuator from the lower endof the valve body or rotating the valve body of the present invention toa closed position.

Finally, it is another objective of the present invention to utilize areceptacle/oil drain attachment that may be reversibly attached to thepresent invention wherein the receptacle may be a semi-rigid plasticbag, a plastic rigid container and biodegradable container, or the like,wherein collection may be a single use or multiple use container. Thiscontainer may be as well reversibly placeable in a box (e.g. acorrugated or cardboard box) for securing of a rigid or semi-rigidcontainer and ease of transport when used for oil collection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the novel features and method of use of the application are setforth above, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use,and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referencing to thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in view of the appended claims, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is the present invention of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 is the present invention of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the valve coupler.

FIG. 5 illustrates a superior view of the valve coupler.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the valve coupler of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates an inferior view of the valve coupler of FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a valve pusher of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of a valve pusher of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the valve pusher of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a superior perspective view of a valve stem.

FIG. 12 is a side view of valve stem of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a superior view of a valve stem of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the valve body.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the valve body of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a superior view of the valve body of FIGS. 14 and 15 of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the screw cap.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the screw cap of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a superior view of the screw cap of FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front perspective view of the present device,handled collection receptacle and box container in an open confirmation.

FIG. 21 depicts a side perspective view of the present device, handledcollection receptacle and box container in a closed confirmation

FIG. 22 is the system of check ball and bayonet assisted oil drainvalve, a flexible drain tube, an oil drain receptacle attachment that isthe present invention and an oil drain collection receptacle.

INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS OF DRAWINGS AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION

-   5 Flat Washer-   8 ‘o’ ring gasket-   9 ‘o’ ring gasket-   10 Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment-   11 ‘o’ ring gasket-   12 ‘o’ ring gasket-   20 valve stem-   22 valve stem posts-   23 valve stem posts cam followers-   25 valve stem windows-   27 valve stem hollow body-   28 valve stem distal portion-   30 valve stem base-   40 valve body-   42 keyed cammed surfaces-   43 superior flanged surface-   44 recessed position-   45 flanged shelf-   47 valve body ports-   50 urging member-   60 valve pusher-   62 valve pusher post-   64 valve pusher superior portion-   66 valve pusher post elevations-   68 valve pusher posts indentions-   70 screw cap-   72 internalized thread-   74 Indentions-   76 elevations-   78 screw cap hollow body-   80 valve coupler-   82 groove-   83 valve coupler indentions-   84 coupler hollow body-   85 valve coupler distal end-   86 point of tube attachment-   88 valve coupler elevations-   90 flexible drain tube-   95 oil drain attachment-   100 oil collection receptacle-   105 receptacle handle-   110 container-   112 receiving slot-   114 accepting receptacle threaded post

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention isdisclosed and described below. Yet, each and every possible feature,within the limits of the specification, is not disclosed where variousversions are postulated to be in the purview and contemplation of thosehaving skill in the art. It is therefore possible for those possessingskill in the art to practice the disclosed invention while observingthat certain arrangements and spatial placements are relative andcapable of being arranged and rearranged at various points about thepresent invention that nonetheless accomplishes the correction of one ormore of the infirmities in the field of both collection and disposal ofused motor oil. Clearly, the size and shape of certain features may beexpanded or narrowed to accommodate the amount and viscosity of certainoils and may be customizable to suit each oil type and volumeaccordingly.

Equally, it should be observed that the present invention can beunderstood, in terms of both structure and function, from theaccompanying disclosure and claims in light of the associated drawings.And whereas the present invention and method of use are capable ofdifferent embodiments, which can be arranged and rearranged into severalconfigurations, allowing for mixing and matching of features andcomponents, each may exhibit accompanying interchangeablefunctionalities, which may be oil volume and content specific, withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present application as shownand described.

Succinctly, the present invention 10 acts as a valve or conduit betweenthe flexible drain tube 90 and the oil collection receptacle 100 whereinsaid valve 10 remains in a closed position and may be opened by pushingdownward on the valve pusher 60 mechanism against urging member 50, withsufficient force to overcome the compressed force urging member's 50,and twisting the valve pusher 60 counterclockwise. When the fillingoperation is completed, the valve pusher 60 mechanism may be twistedclockwise relying on sufficient force to move the compressed urgingmember 50 to extend from a compressed configuration into an expandedconfiguration thus sealing the container (attached receptacle 100)against spills during transport.

Generally described, as is depicted in FIGS. 1-22, the Oil DrainReceptacle Attachment 10 is a multi-component device, to be used inconjunction with an oil pan drain valve, flexible tubing 90, and an oilcollection receptacle 100 to facilitate the clean capture of motorengine oil. The Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10 itself operates bymeans of a valve stem 20 which is influenced from a closed position andmoved to an open position by means of a spring-loaded (urging member 50assisted) valve pusher 60 rotation. Valve pusher 60, as shown in FIGS. 1and 8-10, is made to exhibit raised elevations 66 and lowered indentions68 as to allow for enhanced manual manipulation through better grip anddecreased slippage. As the valve pusher 60 is urged downward,compressing urging member 50 with requisite force, and rotatedcounterclockwise, the valve stem 20 becomes opened (i.e. valve body 40translocates upward exposing windows 25 and opening the valve stem 20 toflow) from its closed position (i.e. where valve body 40 translocatesdownward to be abutted with valve stem base 30 which acts to cease themovement of valve body 40 and occludes windows 25), the release of theflow of fluid is initiated and may be halted through the manual closureof the Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10 through clockwise rotation,the urging release of compression on urging member 50 and the movementof the valve body downward to block windows 25. The ‘openconfiguration’, as depicted in FIG. 2, evidences an elevated valve body40 and open windows 25 whereby the valve body 40 has been translocatedupward toward valve stem pusher 60 (thereby partially abutting valvepusher 60), compressing internalized urging member 50 with sufficientforce to allow for rotation (not shown), insuring valve pusher 60 hasbeen rotated counterclockwise, and moving axially parallel valve stemposts 22 from a recessed position within the valve body 40 to a releasedposition whereby valve body 40 is supported and held in a raisedposition by valve stem posts 22. Conversely, in the ‘closedconfiguration’, as shown in FIG. 3, the valve pusher 60 has been rotatedclockwise, urging member 50 (not shown) has been forcibly released fromits compressive state, pressure-induced urging member 50's (not shown)relaxation pushes valve body 40 downward, allows for the acceptance ofvalve stem posts 22 into its body, and occludes windows 25, therebyceasing oil flow.

Furthermore, it should be noted, that in addition to the stability andsupport of valve body 40, valve stem posts 22 serve the secondaryfunction of ventilation. As can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 16, the valvestem posts, in a ‘open configuration’ serve to hold the valve body 40 ina heightened, ‘stilted’ position relative to the valve stem base 30 (seespecifically FIG. 2) and to open valve body ports 47 where un-occludedwindows 25 and unblocked valve body ports 47 serve to permit oil flowinto the collection receptacle 100, as well as, air flow out of thecollection receptacle 100 as displacement of air for oil occurs,respectively. Yet, in the ‘closed configuration’, where valve body 40 ismade to rest atop and closely approximated with valve stem base 30, thevalve stem posts 22 assume a recessed position 44 and occlude valve bodyports 47 just as the valve body 40 occludes oil flow through blocking ofwindows 25.

In operation, the user connects the Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10onto a container or receptacle 100 via a threaded cap 70 located on theupper end of the valve body 40 and attached via a flanged shelf 45. Theuser would then attach a flexible hose 90 to the distal end 85 barbedvalve coupler 80 prior to initiation of oil flow. This may be viewed asan entire ‘closed’ system in FIG. 22 originating at the oil pan, througha flexible tubing 90, through the present invention 10 and intocollection receptacle 100.

Operationally, when an operator is ready to drain used motor oil fromthe oil pan, the user forcibly depresses the valve pusher 60 againstvalve urging member 50 and allows rotation of the valve pusher 60counterclockwise to provide assisted “rotational guidance” of the valvebody 40 about the valve stem 20 (where it is the valve stem 20 and valvepusher 60, moving in concert, that are actually rotated and the valvebody 40 that is secured to the receptacle 100 via screw cap 70) and thetransition from position 1 (seen in ‘closed configuration’ in FIG. 3) toposition 2 (seen in ‘open configuration’ in FIG. 2) wherein position 1is closed and position 2 is open. The counterclockwise rotation of thevalve pusher 60 permits oil to flow through valve coupler 80, valvepusher 60 and valve stem 20. Once the operation of draining is complete,or the operator desires to cease the flow of fluid, the valve pusher 60is rotated clockwise, the valve urging member 50 is compressed, therebyallowing rotational movement of the valve pusher 60 to guide coaxialvalve stem post cam followers' 23 movement along a dedicated keyedsurface 42 on the inferior portion of the valve body 40 into adedicated, recessed position 44 resulting in a closed position (position1), and oil flow is halted.

Operationally, oil drain attachment 10 is actuated by securedlypositioning a valve body 40 about the circumference of a valve stem 20(where valve pusher 60, a valve stem base 30, valve stem 20 and valvestem posts 22 are all designed to move contiguously and uniformly) andforce-enabled compression of urging member 50 and valve pusher rotationpromotes oil flow through two (to a plurality of) valve stem windows 25in the body of valve stem 20 at a position proximal to the valve stembase 30. The two to a plurality of valve stem posts 22 about the valvestem base 30 are made to run axially parallel to the valve stem 20 andexhibit a valve stem cam follower tip 23 at the apex of each valve stempost 22. Placed between said valve body 40 and valve pusher 60 is aninternalized urging member 50 that may be in the form of a spring orspring-like structure. The primary functional component of the presentdevice 10 is said valve body 40 which exhibits a (1) flanged portion 45superiorly, (2) a variable height, recessed portion (i.e. keyed cammedsurfaces 42) posteriorly and (3) valve body ports 47 corresponding toeach valve stem post 22 and running through the thickness of the outercircumference of said valve body 40 and parallel to the hollow interiorsof valve coupler 80, valve pusher 60, valve body 40 and valve stem 20.The securing and tightening of said oil drain attachment device 10 to areceptacle 100 is accomplished via a screw cap 70 wherein said screw cap70 is reversibly attached to the flanged portion 45 of said valve body40 and via threaded tightening to collection receptacle threaded post114. Depression of said valve pusher 60, compressing, via force, saidinternalized urging member 50 and rotating said valve pusher 60counterclockwise moves said lower valve stem cam follower tip 23 alongthe inferior cammed surface 42 of said valve body 40 for selection ofone to a plurality of height selections of said keyed cammed surfaces42. Specifically, forced compression of urging member 50 allowscounterclockwise rotation of valve pusher 60 and attached valve stem 20,in concert, and facilitates movement along the dedicated inferiorsurface of said valve body 40 of stem posts 22 (expressly movement ofstem post cam follower tips along a cammed surface) wherein valve stemposts 22 move from a recessed position 44 within the keyed surfaces 42of the valve body 40 (FIG. 3) to a suspended “heightened” position wherethe valve stem posts 22 ‘prop up’ and suspend the valve body 40 awayfrom the valve stem base 30 thereby exposing and opening said pluralityof windows 25 to oil flow and valve body ports 47 to air flow (FIG. 2).

The additional feature of venting is accomplished, economically, throughvalve stem post 22 translocation from position 1 (closed FIG. 3) toposition 2 (open FIG. 2). Movement of the valve stem posts 22, with theguidance of cam follower tips 23 along the inferior keyed surface 42,allows forcible urging member 50 compression (for movement to an openconfiguration) and rotationally-induced urging member relaxation (formovement to a closed configuration whereby both configurations areaccomplished by movement of valve posts 22 along dedicated path 42 ofthe valve body 40 from a valve stem post supported “heightened” position(open, position 2 in FIG. 2) to a valve stem recessed position 44(closed, position 1 in FIG. 3) and from a valve stem post 22 recessedposition (closed, position 1 in FIG. 3) to a “heightened” position(open, position 2 in FIG. 2). Ventilation and normalizing of pressurewithin receptacle 100 wherein valve body ports 47 or “holes” areinserted and made to run through the thickness of the valve body 40parallel with valve stem 20 hollow center at a point corresponding tothe valve stem post cam tip 23. Functionally, when the valve stem pusher60 is rotated clockwise, valve stem 20 and valve posts 22 moveclockwise, the valve body maintains a stationary position affixed tothreaded post 114, in a relative opposing confirmation in relation tothe valve pusher 60 and valve stem 20, urging member is rotationallyallowed to relax and expand and valve stem posts 22 move along keyedinner surface 42 of valve body 40 into the recessed configuration(closed position 1 in FIG. 3) and occlusion of valve body ports 47 isachieved. Alternatively, when the valve pusher 60 is rotatedcounterclockwise, the valve stem 20 (as well as valve stem posts 22)follows suit due to their integration, the valve body 40 remainsstationary, allows for manual compression of urging member 50 movementof posts 22 along inner keyed surface 42 and achieves a “heightened”position (open position 2 in FIG. 2) whereby both windows 25 are open tooil flow through the body of the device 10 and air is allowed to escapethrough valve ports 47 as it is displaced by air.

While the above description is of a 2 position (open) system, it iswithin the contemplation of inventors to provide for a keyed inferiorsurface of the valve body 40 that displays various levels (e.g. “steps”)whereby Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10 can be moved to intermediatepositions of partial opening and partial closure to allow for (1)increased or decreased flow rates and speed and (2) for increasedcontrol of said flow rates and speed via differing heights(alternatively viewed as depths) or “steps” by which to allow forgradation of valve stem post 22 movement along a multi-level cammedsurface 42 path.

As depicted in FIG. 1 and further provided by FIGS. 4-7, the valvecoupler 80 can be seen to exhibit a hollow body 84 allowing for oil flowthrough the Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10. As well, FIGS. 4-7evidence a valve coupler 80 with a point of tube attachment 86 that maybe of various diameters and thicknesses as to provide for acceptance ofa range of diameters of flexible tubing 90. An ‘o’ ring gasket 12 (seeFIG. 1) is inserted inferiorly to correspond to the area ofcommunication between the superior portion 64 of the valve pusher 60 andthe inferior portion of the valve coupler 80.

As noted above, the valve coupler 80 (see FIGS. 4-7) is made to fluidlycommunicate with the valve pusher of FIGS. 8-10 whereby a ‘tongue andgroove’ system is implemented as the groove 82 of hollow body valvecoupler 80 is made to communicate with post 62 (see FIGS. 8-9) of thevalve pusher 60. This facilitates relative ease of removal andreplacement of the valve coupler 80 from the valve pusher 60 of OilDrain Receptacle Attachment 10. Also, the securing of valve coupler 80to valve pusher 60 insures both seamless communication of valve coupler80 to valve pusher's 60 uniformly corresponding constructed internaldiameter. Furthermore, securing of the valve coupler 80 to the valvepusher 60 provides for an outer diameter of each that are smaller thanthe inner diameter of a screw cap 70 for traversing the upper length ofOil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10 by the screw cap 70 to rest upon theflanged portion 45 of valve body 40 to secure the Oil Drain receptacledevice to the receptacle 100 via threaded post 114.

The hollow body valve pusher 60 of FIGS. 8-10 is made to permanentlyaccept the most distal portion 28 of the valve stem 20 wherein theinternal diameter of both the valve pusher 60 and the valve stem 20 are,like the inner diameters of the valve coupler 80 and the valve pusher60, of equal internal diameters. And, both the valve pusher 60 and valvestem 20, being integrated, rotate in the same direction. In terms of theouter surfaces of both the screw cap 70 and the valve pusher 60, eachexhibits a beveled surface of indentions 83 and elevations 88 (see FIGS.4-5) that are designed specifically to enhance grip and to facilitateease of rotation.

FIGS. 1, 11-13 evidence the valve stem 20 of Oil Drain ReceptacleAttachment 10 which serves the functions of (1) attachment of the valvepusher 60, (2) conduit for oil flow via its hollow body, (3) support ofurging member 50, (4) acceptance and rotatable stem 20 facilitation ofvalve body 40 confirmations and positioning, (5) support of valve stemposts 22 and base 30 and (6) exhibition of oil flow allowing windows 25.

Urging member 50, as represented in FIG. 1 acts to place compressiveforce on rotatable member valve body 40 wherein said compressive forcemust be overcome through application of force in order to rotate saidvalve body 40 to assume closed position 1 (see FIG. 3) and open position2 (see FIG. 2) with the recessed insertion, cam following and elevatedsupport of valve stem posts 22.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate valve body 40 which serves the functions of (1)urging member securing and compression, (2) internalized valve stem 20acceptance for valve stem 20 rotation about valve body 40, (3) screw cap70 placement along its superior flanged surface 43 (which in turn allowsfor attachment of Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10 to an acceptingreceptacle 100) to threaded receptacle post 114, (4) manifestation ofventilation holes or ports 47 for air flow egress from receptacle 100,(5) inferiorly displayed keyed surface for (2) valve stem post camfollower 23 guidance, positioning and securement, and (6) operationalmechanism for window occlusion and opening to cease and allow oil flow,respectively.

FIGS. 17-19 depict a screw cap that displays an outward area ofindentions 74 and elevations 76 and a hollow center body 78 allowing forattachment and securing to a receptacle via an internalized thread 72 tothe externalized thread (not shown) of an accepting receptacle post 114.

As well, as depicted in FIG. 1 at points connection ‘o’ rings areprovided by inventors to create a seal between those parts that are incommunication as to ensure limited leakage and spillage. Explicitly, ‘o’ring 12 is placed between valve coupler 80 and valve pusher 60 at theinnermost point of connection (not shown) roughly positioned at theuppermost portion 64 of valve pusher 60. As well ‘o’ ring 3 is placedbetween the innermost point of connection between valve body 40 andvalve pusher 60, ‘o’ rings 8 and 11 are placed at the inferior portionof valve body 40 and washer 5 is placed between valve body 40 and urgingmember 50 as a platform for supporting sustained coil pressure and ‘o’ring 9 is placed at the apex of each cam follower tip 23 and in recessof each air allowing port 47.

FIG. 20 illustrates the Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10 that is thepresent invention ‘in use’ wherein the Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment10 is attached to a receptacle 100 offering an interior view of thecontainer 110 and internalized receptacle 100 which is designed forcollection and transportation of used oil. Collection is achieved viaflexible drain tube 90, through the present device 10 (which is securedto receptacle 100 by screw cap 70 to accepting receptacle threaded post114). The receptacle 100 may be placed in a container 110 either beforecollection or after collection whereby receiving slot 112 is designedand utilized to accept handle 105 and the present invention 10, in openor closed positions, and may accomplish oil collection through device 10attachment and aid in transportation by device 10 removal and ‘capping’with a closed screw cap (e.g. screw cap 70 with no open orifice).

FIG. 21 shows the Oil Drain Receptacle Attachment 10 and receptacle 100in a closed box wherein the receptacle is largely contained withincontainer 110 (except for handle 105), aiding in transport (after device10 and flexible drain tube 90 removal).

FIG. 22 depicts the entire closed system including (1) oil drainattachment 95, (2) flexible drain/collection tube 90, (3) Oil DrainReceptacle Attachment 10, (4) collection, storage and transportationreceptacle 100 and (5) securing means accomplished through screw cap 70reversable adhering to receptacle post 114.

And while the invention itself and method of use are amendable tovarious modifications and alternative configurations, specificembodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawingsand are herein described in adequate detail to teach those having skillin the art how to make and practice the same. It should, however, beunderstood that the above description and preferred embodimentsdisclosed, are not intended to limit the invention to the particularembodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention disclosure isintended to cover all modifications, alternatives and equivalentsfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined withinthe claim's broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with thespecification.

In short, the present invention evidences many advantages over the priorart including at least the following: (1) the ability to clean catch oilin a closed system, (2) the capability to regulate oil flow and oil flowrate, (3) the ability to stop and start oil flow, (4) the capacity tosafely transport used or spent oil for recycling and (5) the ability toventilate and control air buildup within a collection container.

The particular embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative, which maybe apparent to those having skill in the art which may be modified indiverse but equivalent manners. It is therefore contemplated that theseparticular embodiments may be altered and modified and that all suchalterations and modifications are considered within the scope and spiritof the present application. And while these illustrations are of alimited number set, it is clear that the invention itself is mutable toany number of arrangements, configurations and modifications withoutdeparting from the invention's spirit thereof.

We claim:
 1. An oil drain attachment positioned between a flexible tubing and a collection receptacle to facilitate the clean collection of used motor oil, comprising: a hollow, tubular valve stem for the placement and securing of a hollow valve body about an outer circumference of the valve stem; said hollow, tubular valve stem comprising a flanged base perpendicular to said hollow, tubular valve stem and proximal to the collection receptacle; said hollow, tubular valve stem comprising two to a plurality of windows extending through the thickness of the valve stem at a position proximal to the flanged base of the valve stem; said flanged base of said valve stem comprising two to a plurality of tubular securing posts acting as cam followers and valve body supporters; wherein each one of the securing posts comprises a cam follower tip that is made to translocate between two to a plurality of designated points on a lower portion of said valve body; a hollow valve stem pusher centrally disposed about the outer circumference of said valve stem; said hollow valve stem pusher comprising at least one valve pusher post, said at least one valve pusher post being engageable with a hollow valve coupler, distally; said valve coupler configured to accept the flexible tubing; an inner circumference of the valve body configured to accept said valve stem's outer circumference within said valve body's inner circumference for rotation and translocation of said cam follower tip between the two to the plurality of designated points, said valve stem arranged to rotate between a first and second position, or a plurality of intermediary positions, for completely or partially exposing and occluding said valve stem windows; said valve body comprising cammed surfaces of varying heights at the lower portion of the valve body which are configured to accept said cam follower tips through translocation and to a terminal recessed position; said valve body comprising a plurality of venting ports arranged axially parallel to said valve stem and extending through the valve body's thickness corresponding to the recessed position; said cam follower tips translocatable between an elevated valve body and recessed post position whereby elevation opens the valve body ports and recession occludes the valve body ports; said valve body comprising an outer flanged shelf about its outermost circumference for the support of a screw cap at an upper portion of said outer flanged shelf; said screw cap configured for securing of said oil drain attachment to said receptacle; an internalized compressible urging member positioned between said valve body and said valve pusher; said compressible urging member, when depressed, allows for rotation of said valve stem between a plurality of positions from closed to open, partially open, partially closed; and said compressible urging member, when relaxed allows for rotation of said valve stem between the plurality of positions from open to closed, partially closed or partially open.
 2. The oil drain attachment of claim 1 wherein said urging member is a spring or spring-like structure.
 3. The oil drain attachment of claim 1 wherein at least one ‘o’ ring is arranged between the valve coupler and the valve pusher; at least one ‘o’ ring is arranged between the valve pusher and the valve body; at least one ‘o’ ring is arranged between the valve body and the valve stem; at least one ‘o’ ring is arranged between the valve body and the tubular securing post; and at least one ‘o’ ring is arranged between the valve body and the flanged base of the valve stem.
 4. The oil drain attachment of claim 1 wherein said at least one valve pusher post comprises two posts, arranged perpendicular to the axial midline of the valve pusher.
 5. The oil drain attachment of claim 4, wherein an outer circumference of said valve pusher is configured to couple with the valve coupler, distally, via said valve posts.
 6. The oil drain attachment of claim 5, wherein said valve coupler is selected from a plurality of valve couplers having various shapes and sizes to accommodate a range of different flexible tube diameters and allow various flow rates.
 7. The oil drain attachment of claim 1, whereby the outer circumferences of said valve coupler, said screw cap and said valve pusher comprises indented and elevated portions for enhanced grip during rotation.
 8. A method of use of the oil drain attachment of claim 1, wherein said oil drain attachment is actuated by the following steps: securedly positioning the valve body about the outer circumference of the valve stem between the valve pusher and the valve stem base; inserting the two to the plurality of windows extending through the thickness of the valve stem at a position proximal to the valve stem base; placing the two to the plurality of valve stem posts about the valve stem base which are arranged axially parallel with the valve stem and each one of the plurality of valve stem posts comprising the valve stem cam follower tip; placing the two to the plurality of venting ports around said valve body circumference and through said valve body's flanged circumference thickness; corresponding said valve stem posts with said valve body ports; placing between said valve body and valve pusher the internalized urging member; configuring said valve body to comprise the flanged portion and the cammed surfaces of varying heights inferiorly; securing and tightening of said oil drain attachment device to the collection receptacle via the screw cap wherein said screw cap is reversibly attached to the flanged portion of the valve body and made to communicate with a threaded post of the collection receptacle; depressing said valve pusher; compressing said internalized urging member; rotating said valve pusher and valve stem counterclockwise; moving said valve stem cam follower tip along the inferior cammed surface of said valve body for selection of one of a plurality of elevated height selections; and opening said plurality of windows to oil flow and said ports to air flow.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein rotation of said valve pusher clockwise allows the following steps: releasing of the urging member's tension; moving of said stem post, via translocation of said cam follower tip, from an elevated position along the inferior surface of said valve body cammed surface to the recessed position; occluding of said stem valve windows and valve body ports by said valve body; and cessation of oil flow.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein said inferior cammed surface of said valve body is keyed to various heights allowing for gradation of oil flow.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein said inferior cammed surface of said valve body is keyed to various heights allowing for gradation of oil flow.
 12. The method of claim 8 wherein the valve coupler is configured to be reversibly affixed to said valve pusher in order to securedly accept the flexible tube.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said valve coupler comprises a post, said valve coupler being selected from a plurality of valve couplers having a range of different post sizes and different post diameters as to accommodate different flexible tubing of various diameters in order to effectively drain larger or smaller oil volumes.
 14. The method of claim 8 wherein said urging member is a spring or spring-like structure.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein said urging member is a spring or spring-like structure.
 16. A closed system for fluid drainage comprising the following: a. an oil pan attachment; b. the flexible tube; c. the oil drain attachment, as described in claim 1, whereby said oil drain attachment is moved between the plurality of positions to allow for simultaneous oil and air flow; said valve stem being rotationally actuatable, via the urging member's compression, the rotation of said valve stem along a dedicated path, and the upward movement of the valve body along said valve stem's length to an elevated position, allowing the oil flow via the plurality of windows; and d. the collection receptacle.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said valve body comprises the ports arranged axially parallel to said valve stem, and through said valve body's thickness, which are configured to communicate with the two to the plurality of stem posts to allow for air flow in a heightened, open position and restricted air flow in a closed position.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein said dedicated path is of various depths that allow for fully open and closed positions and intermediately and partially open and closed positions.
 19. The system for fluid drainage of claim 16, wherein said collection receptacle is maintained within a storage and transportation container.
 20. The system of claim 16 wherein an oil flow rate may be adjusted and regulated at any one, or a combination, of the following locations including: A) at the drain attachment; B) via the flexible tubing, through the selection of tube length, tube diameter, tube material or a combination thereof; or C) at the oil drain attachment, via either through binomial flow initiation and cessation or gradated flow rate regulation. 